A Time To Give Thanks, And Give Help To The Community

There are few things that bring people and friends together like Thanksgiving Day. Sharing food, reflecting on what we are grateful for and enjoying parades, football and family traditions elicit a unique bonding experience we look forward to every year. Thanksgiving is also a great time to share with those you may not know.

This time of year serves as a reminder that not all people are equally fortunate and for those who can offer it, a little generosity goes a long way for those struggling. I encourage each of you this Thanksgiving, and throughout the holiday season, to take some time to consider what help you might be able to provide for your neighbors. We are a stronger community, and a stronger state, when we work together to help one another.

GIVING BACK BENEFITS EVERYONE

Finger Lakes residents are among the most community-minded people in all of New York State. There are lots of ways to give back to our friends and neighbors. One of my favorite and most impactful ways is donating food and supplies to local food pantries. New York’s food pantries provide a vital service to those who are dealing with hunger, and without generous donations from folks in the community they would be unable to help those in need.

This year, I encourage each family to try to make at least one donation and spend one day volunteering to serve the needy. With your help, we can truly celebrate Thanksgiving as a community and collectively offer immeasurable assistance to the less fortunate.

There are some amazing food pantries in the Finger Lakes Region that have been among our best and most reliable community organizations. For some ideas on where to donate, visit http://www.foodpantries.org/ and see the links below for information on some local pantries.

Please take a little time this Thanksgiving season to provide those in need with some critical assistance. Your generosity can make a world of difference in someone’s life, and can be the most memorable gift a neighbor receives this year.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us, find me by searching for Assemblyman Brian Kolb on Facebook, and follow me on Twitter.